Hey all, hoping you can help me out. Planning to do some backpacking out in the Black Hills the first couple weeks of May, in particular the Black Elk Wilderness. Wondering what snow/trail conditions are like that time of year. I've heard that the Black Hills can see some freak spring storms but what's the norm? Has this been a drier/wetter winter? Any beta would help...I really hope to leave the snowshoes at home...

We spent May 15-17 of 2009 in Custer State Park and hiked up Harney Peak. We only saw a few small patches of snow in shady spots. For the most part, it was dry. I don't know how that year compares to this one though.

Tried my hand at BC skiing a few years back in March and had a hard time keeping from billygoating down Harney to the trailhead. This was after a snow the night before. Snowshoes = no. As stated above, wouldn't hurt to have gaiters in case there's muck.